“I deeply regret the decision of the Malian authorities to declare my agent, Guillaume Ngefa, unwelcome and order him to leave the country in 48 hours,” he said. Volker Türk speak.
Mr. Ngefa, Director of the Human Rights Division of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (APART FROM) and the Representative of the High Commissioner in Mali, was declared persona non grata in an announcement the Malian authorities made on Sunday. Mr Ngefa was outside Mali when the decision was announced.
Guillaume Ngefa, Director of the Human Rights Division at the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali.
online threats
Mr. Türk, head of department OHCHRspeak UN staff “should never be threatened or punished for doing their job”based on the founding Charter and principles of the United Nations.
The United Nations has long asserted that theory of personality without grata does not apply to its employees. That is contrary to the obligations of Member States under unchartedincluding those concerning the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its staff.
‘Integrating to keep the peace’
Türk emphasized: “Human rights are an integral part of peacekeeping. “I call on the authorities to create a respectful, safe and conducive environment for human rights activities in Mali, which is more important than ever in the current context.”
He also called on the Malian government to ensure better respect and protection of human rights defenders.
“No one should face retaliation for speaking out on human rights issues,” he said.
Mali is entering the eleventh year of its security crisis. MINUSMA was established in 2013 following insecurity in the north and a failed military coup by Islamist rebels, who still retain control of much of the north and center of the country.
summary of Security Council at the end of last month, the United Nations Special Representative and MINUSMA Team Leader El-Ghassim Wane warned that stabilizing Mali was crucial for the country and the region.
Independent visit of UN experts
The decision to expel Mr. Ngefa was made as a UN independent expert about the human rights situation in Mali is scheduled to proceed official visit from 6th to 17th February before presenting the annual report to Dong Nhan Quyen Association March.
